12/22/2019 Nucleus - Structure And Functions | A-Level Biology Revision Notes

Structure of Nucleus
Nucleus is a membrane bound structure that contains the cell’s hereditary
information and controls the cell’s growth and reproduction.
Nucleus is present in all eukaryotic cells, they may be absent in few cells like the
mammalian RBCs.
The shape of the nucleus is mostly round, it may be oval, disc shaped depending
on the type of cell.
It is the command center of a eukaryotic cell and is commonly the most prominent
organelle in a cell.
The nuclear envelope is a double membrane that separates the nucleus from the
cytoplasm.
All traf c into and out of the nucleus passes through nuclear pores that bridge the
double membranes.
Inbound traf c includes all nuclear proteins and ribosomal proteins destined for the
nucleolus.
Outbound traf c includes mRNAs and ribosomal subunits.
The nuclear envelope consists of phospholipids that form a lipid bilayer.
The nuclear envelope is perforated with numerous pores called nuclear pores.
The envelope helps to maintain the shape of the nucleus and assists in regulating
the ow of molecules into and out of the nucleus through nuclear pores.
The nuclear envelope is connected with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in such a
way that the internal compartment of the nuclear envelope is continuous with the
lumen of the ER.

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12/22/2019 Nucleus - Structure And Functions | A-Level Biology Revision Notes

Chromosomes consist of DNA, which contains heredity information and

instructions for cell growth, development, and reproduction.
When a cell is “resting” i.e. not dividing, the chromosomes are organized into long
entangled structures called chromatin and not into individual chromosomes.
Nucleoplasm is the gelatinous substance within the nuclear envelope.
The nucleolus is not surrounded by a membrane, it is a densely stained structure
found in the nucleus.

Functions of Nucleus
1. It controls the heredity characteristics of an organism.
2. It main cellular metabolism through controlling synthesis of particular enzymes.
3. It is responsible for protein synthesis, cell division, growth and differentiation.
4. Stores heredity material in the form of deoxy-ribonucleic acid (DNA) strands. Also
stores proteins and ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the nucleolus.
5. It is a site for transcription process in which messenger RNA ( mRNA) are
produced for protein synthesis.
6. It helps in exchange of DNA and RNA (heredity materials) between the nucleus
and the rest of the cell.
7. Nucleolus produces ribosomes and are known as protein factories.
8. It also regulates the integrity of genes and gene expression.

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